1943 Haut Brion

One of my more interesting tasting experiences was Haut-Brion's 1943 (last tasted 1/97). 1943 was believed to be the finest vintage of the World War II years. This wine, bottled after the war ended, exhibited a deep garnet color, and a scorched earth/melted tar/aged beef-like aroma. The provocative aromatics were followed by a wine with copious quantities of sweet fruit, astringent tannin, and a dry, angular finish. It is an extremely complex wine, with most of the fruit remaining on the attack. This wine is just beginning to narrow out and become more austere and angular. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com

Robert Parker    Score: 89/100